2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Cadillac XT5

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 marked a significant step in Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a leader in luxury vehicles. With 40 updates introduced in the previous model year, the XT5 showcased a refined exterior with a more pronounced front and a sophisticated rear, highlighted by standard LED lights. The SUV's design was further enhanced by 18-inch alloy wheels, with 20-inch options available. Inside, the XT5 offered a more upscale interior compared to its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, featuring cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fibre accents. The Premium Luxury trim, in particular, exuded elegance, making it one of the most refined Cadillacs outside of the Escalade.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a mix of traditional and modern design elements, with a bold grille and vertical taillights that paid homage to classic Cadillacs. However, its compact footprint and tall profile created an ungainly appearance. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered distinct styling cues, with the former featuring bright chrome and the latter sporting darker trim and a mesh grille. The interior, while luxurious, relied heavily on the optional Platinum Package for its standout features, such as semi-aniline leather upholstery and a microfibre sueded headliner. The design lacked a strong theme, making it less distinctive compared to competitors like the Volvo XC60 or Genesis GV70.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered three trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. The Luxury and Premium Luxury trims came standard with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. An optional 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, was available for the Premium Luxury trim and standard on the Sport trim. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which provided smooth upshifts but was less refined during downshifts. The V6 engine offered immediate throttle response, although additional low-end torque would have been beneficial. Fuel consumption for the V6 AWD model was approximately 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres, outperforming the estimated 11.2 L/100 km.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 retained the same engine options, with the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder standard on the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims, and the 3.6-litre V6 standard on the Sport trim. The V6 engine provided ample power for everyday driving, with linear power delivery and smooth shifts from the nine-speed automatic transmission. The optional Platinum Package included a "performance suspension" with adaptive dampers, which excelled in providing a comfortable ride while maintaining excellent body control. The steering was well-suited for a luxury vehicle, offering a quick ratio without being overly sensitive. The cabin remained impressively quiet, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered seating for four adults across two rows, with a three-seat bench in the second row. While legroom was adequate, headroom was limited for taller passengers. The front seats, though visually appealing, lacked comfort on long journeys due to a hard bottom cushion. The XT5 provided 850 litres of cargo space, which was less than some competitors but featured a deep rear cargo area. The cargo-management system allowed for secure storage, and a hands-free programmable height power liftgate was available. However, small-item storage was limited, with no convenient place for a smartphone and small map pockets.

In the 2022 Cadillac XT5, interior space compared favourably to German luxury crossovers, offering more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, but less than the BMW X3. The XT5 excelled in legroom, although it trailed the Lincoln Corsair in front legroom. The seats were comfortable but could have benefited from additional padding. Cargo space was generous, with 850 litres available with the rear seats up and 1,784 litres with them folded, surpassing the Q5, X3, and GLC. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and a small cubbyhole below the touchscreen provided additional storage.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system included a rotary controller, which could crowd the screen's aesthetics. The XT5 also offered a heated steering wheel, heated outboard rear seats, and a rear camera mirror. The available 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system delivered excellent audio quality. A head-up display and fully digital instrument cluster were available, providing essential vehicle information.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 maintained the same 8-inch touchscreen and connectivity features, but usability was only adequate compared to competitors. The rotary controller and capacitive touchpads were not ideally placed, and the array of secondary controls took up space. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system provided excellent sound quality, enhanced by the XT5's quiet interior. The Technology Package added an 8-inch digital instrument cluster display and a head-up display, but the XT5's tech offerings failed to stand out in the luxury segment.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a range of safety features, including front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert. The available Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, while the Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor and limit vehicle features. A rearview camera and rear-seat reminder were standard.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The XT5 received top "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. However, it lacked the advanced Super Cruise driver-assistance technology available on other Cadillac models.